International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Firefighter Wall of Honor, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo submitted by Ken Dwinnell)International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Firefighter Wall of Honor, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo submitted by Ken Dwinnell)
Sarnia

Sarnia firefighter to be enshrined on national memorial

The name of one of Sarnia's finest has been engraved on the International Association of Firefighters Fallen Fire Fighter Wall of Honor in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Sarnia Professional Firefighters Association President Ken Dwinnell said Captain Graham Emslie died in December 2016 of occupational cancer, three years after retiring from Sarnia Fire Rescue Services.

"Graham was the consummate firefighter, a consummate fire officer, and the consummate brother in the association," said Dwinnell. "He embodied what it meant to be a firefighter and a member of our association. He gave everything to his community and his family."

Dwinnell said the names etched on the granite walls tell the story of a century of sacrifice and fire service that has given so much to keep families, businesses and communities safe.

"The memorial includes those who died on the fire ground and the alarming number who died of occupational illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and post-traumatic stress," said Dwinnell.

A contingent of Sarnia firefighters and Captain Emslie's family will attend the enshrinement ceremony which will be streamed live Saturday at 11 a.m.

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